Car sear covers, which one is better and safe?

[nia82]

Since we bought a brand new car, we want to protect the seats from indentations and such... I found different kinds, are they all safe and which one is better in your opinion / experience? Thank you!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Summer-Inf...i_sku=12572809

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Summer-Inf...ndingMethod=rr

[pantrygirl]

I like them both but I wanted to share a tidbit I received from the Car Safety Inspection Center in my town.

When we arrived to have our seat inspected, the officer informed us that he did not advise using covers as they they occasionally do not allow for a secure installation. Slippage is common, he said.

He instead gave us a piece of no-slip shelf liner and showed us how to use it under the car seat to sort of protect the seat and also keep the car seat for slipping.

Now, I'm not sure if this is accurate or just his own personal experience but I wanted to share it nonetheless.

We've had an infant car seat and a convertible car seat (the mammoth Britax Marathon) in our new car and the seats still look in very good condition.

Hope this helps.

[Aliy]

i have heard that anything after market is no safe. but it's really up to you. our seats are fine from the years of having carseats on them.

they can compress in an accident... try it put it in the car buckle the seat in.... lock the belt and then try it with out see what the difference is....

[alegna]

The seat protectors in general are not safe.

-Angela

[shanniesue2]

you really need to check with the manufacturer of the car seat. I know that my graco myride manual says something about using a towel... I can't remember exactly what the wording is, though.

The thing is that car seats have been crash tested under specific conditions. And not with any of those seat covers. Because of that, there is no way to prove that those seat covers are safe. Using them without manufacturer approval is like using your kid as a crash test dummy. So, check your manual. And call the customer service number on your carseat. Find out what they recommend.

[MacKinnon]

Most car seat manufacturers say not to use them, some do allow them. The general rule we are taught as car seat technicians is not to use after market/non-regulated products unless they are made by the manufacturer of the seat. So, Sunshine Kids makes a seat protector that could be used with Sunshine Kids Radian car seats. Personally, I have never used anything under them and after about 24 hours the dents are out of my leather seats and all food and spills just wipe off.

[nia82]

Good to know thanks! I will check if the Radian works with the Sunshine Kids one, since it says crash tested, once we buy the Radian.